Written by Hello, my name is Shubhasri and I am an Indian expat, art enthusiast living in Dubai (UAE). Drawing and painting has always been my first interest as a hobby ever since my childhood. I would always love to draw and colour as a child, creating greeting cards, copying cartoons and caricatures from newspapers and magazines. I was so keen that my parents enrolled me in art classes and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I remember a small story my mother would narrate that when I was around four years old I once drew a pair of decorative terracotta horses which we bought from Shantiniketan (India) and it was so well done that my mother could never imagine that it was me, she rather checked with my elder brother as to who did it and to her surprise it was me.
During my school days, I participated in a couple of art competitions and won some prizes. Creating “alpanas”(a Bengali form of painting on floor) was something I often did along with many other art-related activities. Apart from being a graduate in Science, I had always continued the journey of art in one way or another, either learning painting or textile designing etc.
Slowly with the passage of time, things faded. Taking responsibilities as mother, wife and having different career orientations, I could hardly do a handful of artworks to follow my inclination. I still managed to do a couple of artworks on commission with the constant support of my family. I have moved on to teaching art at school over the last couple of years and I’m happy helping children explore their creative instincts.
I like to explore themes in various mediums like oil, acrylic, pen and ink, graphite pencils, colour pencils etc., but watercolour holds a special place. The flow of colours and transparent effect of the medium attract me a lot. My inspiration is nature and things and people in our day to day stories of life.
To be able to illustrate fruits, flowers, birds, foliage and various elements of nature brings a wonderful sense of joy within. Textile designing, creating surface patterns, also interests me a lot and gives an immense satisfaction while applying them on to textile materials. Of late, during my vacations, I’ve started working on watercolours again almost regularly and learning some new techniques or the other.
I’m fond of using Daler-Rowney Acquarella, Brustro papers for watercolours even handmade papers fascinate me a lot. I also use Fabriano acquarello hot press acid free paper. Working on 300 gsm thick paper always gives a better end result. I use a lot of Camel artists watercolour, as they are really intense. Sakura Watercolour in the form of pocket field sketch box is very convenient while working outdoors.
Daler-Rowney brushes are one of my favourites though I have painted using Jaysa fine art brushes from India over the years. Scholar Prismacolor pencil colours, Derwent pencil colours give a fine finish and very comfortable while colour pencil sketching. I enjoy ink work using crow quill pens.
I’m grateful to Charlie O’Shields, the founder of World Watercolour Group, for giving me an opportunity to be featured as a guest artist here amongst such talented and experienced artists. It’s encouraging to be appreciated and know that many people love my work and are inspired by it. I’ll continue my creative journey and will try my best to evolve better, day by day. I believe “Creativity is contagious, so pass it on”.
Shubhasri Dasgupta
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I love the detail, and the part of the painting that is not detailed. Your art is wonderful. The seashell is very good. Keep painting.
Thank you so much for your inspiring words. I’m glad you liked my work.
Greetings Shubhasri, It is so nice to read your artist journey and to see your beautiful work. 🙂
Many thanks for your kind appreciation.
Thank you Shubhasri for posting your beautiful works and telling us your story. I really like the barn with he mixture of tight and loose edges – very expressive. There must be something about science majors and art, especially watercolor. Our last guest artist is finishing up her degree in biotechnology and is also a successful artist. Keep up the good work!
I’m delighted that you liked my post. There’s something funny about the relationship between science and watercolours.
Your paintings are lovely! What is the type/brand of paper used for the birds painting? I see a lot of texture to it. Thanks.
Thanks a lot . I really appreciate your observation skills regarding the paper, it is type of handmade paper which I got quiet some time back from India, the texture is much coarse.
Thank you for sharing your beautiful work and your story!
Feeling happy that I could reach out to you all. Thank you for going through my post.
Lovely work! Thanks for sharing your paintings and your story.
I’m glad you liked it, thank you.
Thanks for sharing your story Shubhasri! Your paintings are beautiful!
Thank you so much for your encouraging words.
Nice work! keep painting!
Thank you so much Jetson.
Jerson, extremely sorry for the typo .
Wowww👌🏾👌🏾👌🏾Awesome works
It’s wonderful to get know more about your works and process👏👏👏
Congrats and all the best wishes for more bright future 😘😘😘😘
Thank you so much Yamini for your appreciation.
Brilliant……
Every word is inspiring from your childhood to the date as an artist and your multi talents are amazing in various mediums. They are evident if your passion and skills.
It’s really encouraging to read such positive comments.Thank you so much, I’m thrilled.
It’s a joy to view such brilliant art work which is detailed and unique. An inspiration to many…keep painting 🤗
Thank you so much Janice.Its indeed a pleasure to read such wonderful comments and know that it’s inspiring.
Hi Guddi, excellent work. I loved them all. The seashell is outstanding. It’s time to hold exhibitions and sell these so that we can put them up in our homes as well. You are such a talented girl and I appreciate and enjoy every bit of your paintings. Keep up the good work.
Simply brilliant work Guddi. Keep up the good work. It’s time for exhibitions where you can sell some of your paintings and we can put them up in our homes. Loved the seashell. Loved all of them. God bless.
Thank you so so much. Indeed looking forward to a positive artistic move.
Such an awesome paintings Shubasri ma’am. Keep going. Loved all of your works. God Bless😍😍
Thank you so much dear. I’m glad you liked.
Really great paintings mam….loved it..❤❤
Many thanks Gayathri, I’m glad.
Excellent work Shubhasri …. so proud of you… keep up your great work 👍👍
Thank you so much Rupa.Its truly encouraging.
Absolutely beautiful! So much detail has been conveyed expertly in every painting 👍
Thanks a lot Anindita, it’s boosting my enthusiasm many folds.
It’s a visual delight to view your artwork dear Shubhasri. Art can speak things which can’t be always said with words. You are a true inspiration to all the budding artists. God bless.
I’m fortunate that I have been able to express the topics to reach those who see my art work. Thank you so Elsie for your appreciation.
Thank for sharing your beautiful work and story! I like the variety in topics you paint. It’s like having a little art gallery brought to my home. 🙂
OMG! It’s highly inspiring to read your thoughts.Thank you so much.
Really awesome paintings ☺️ my best wishes mam😊👍
I’m so happy you liked, Thanks Sandhya.
Great sharing Shubhasri, lovely works.
Leep it up!
I’m so delighted that you’ve liked my work.Thank you so much Sir.
Wow dear…..Great work……Loved all your paintings………Way to go……God bless
Many thanks to you Edith. Your words are amplifying my zeal within.
Hi Shubhasri di,
Absolutely loved your article on your journey of becoming a painter. And loved your each and every artwork. ‘Creativity is contagious’ that is so very true, I met you last year for the very first time, and was soo touched by your creativity, that it has infected me too 🙂 And hence after almost 20 years, I have started painting again. Just baby steps now..
Eager to see more and more of your beautiful creations!
With Love,
Smita
What a beautiful expression! Thank you so much – your kind words really warmed the cockles of my heart. I’m glad that my works inspired you to paint again.Wishing you the very best too.
Shubhasri, I love your bright, bold colors! Thank you for sharing your artistic journey with us.
Thank you so much Sandra, I’m glad you liked.
Nice work!
thanks a lot dear.
Shubhasri, thanks for sharing the link. I am not qualified to comment on your paintings, though. But I understand words (you write well). I tried to follow your paintings through your story. The common element in your story and your paintings is simplicity which makes both so captivating. I think your story also explains the innocence, the old-world charm in your work.
Many thanks Ravi for all the appreciation. I’m elated.